Bucs safety T.J. Ward: 'I wish I kept my thoughts to myself'

Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety T.J. Ward wishes he could go back in time right now. A few days after Ward expressed his frustration publicly about his lack of playing time, the three-time Pro Bowler admitted that he should have handled the situation differently and have a private meeting with the coaching staff, rather than share his frustrations with the entire world.

“I should have kept a lot of my thoughts to myself,” Ward said, according to Jenna Laine of ESPN. “I’ve been in this league for a long time. This is my eighth year. I’m a fiery person and I wear my emotions on my sleeve. This is all brand-new to me. It’s a new situation, new team and I’m just trying to take it as it comes and handle it as it goes so I hope everyone works with me. My teammates know it’s nothing malicious. My coaches know it’s nothing malicious. I’m just a competitive guy.”

The Bucs rotated Ward, Justin Evans and Chris Conte throughout the game and the former Broncos safety made it clear that he feels he deserved more playing time and is at his “whits end” about the matter.

Ward joined the Bucs’ roster this offseason after he was released by the Denver Broncos. Against Buffalo, he played just 24 snaps while rookie Justin Evans had 68 and Chris Conte played 39. After averaging over 60 snaps per game with Denver, it’s no surprise to see Ward puzzled by his lack of time of the field especially since it’s something he isn’t familiar with. However, coach Koetter has made it clear that he has told Ward what the Buccaneers need to see from him if he wants more time on the gridiron this season.

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